Boxer Rebellion

James Herriott's practice was never like this! After six years in research, Goldman joined the staff of a veterinary hospital in New Orleans, where he quickly learned that keeping owner-clients happy was just as important as treating their pets. On one occasion, the chief of hospital set up a sham operation for a dog that had already died; lacking facilities for X-rays, Goldman and another vet smuggled a Great Dane into a regular hospital. Moving to Texas, the author expanded his practice to include farm animals. The stuff of his tales includes a rabies epidemic, a case of cattle poisoning, starving goats on a ranchette owned by yuppies, a comatose hamster and the loneliness of two elderly pet owners. This featherweight narrative will doubtless be appreciated only by readers with a passion for animal stories. (September)